For myself, I don't really care much about balance in the next patch. I'm sure many other lower rated people wouldn't download a patch just for a more balanced game. Something needs to be added for me to want it. Not just things fixed.
There needs to be a larger incentive. Even if the game was pefectally balanced, many people wouldn't really care (especially the Jap lamers). Huge changes need to be made to make it more attractive.
I would love to see a huge patch where all of those cards that are never used changed so that every card is viable in a certain situation. I know this is probably impossible, but it would be really awesome to auctually use some different cards for a change.
I would also like to see a patch with some new random maps. I don't know if its even possible to add a patch with user created random maps for rated gaming, but if so, it'd be awesome.
Bug fixes are also a must. I know that many have already been corrected, but I would like to see even more of them, if not all of them, fixed. I'm tired of spending that extra 100 wood when I send sevastopol to repair a blockhouse or TC that was instantly created when the shipment was made, for example. I'm sure many other people are annoyed by these bugs as well.
Another great addition would be a fixed editor. If it was easier to make maps, then the scenario designing community could grow, and a larger supply of maps would be made for the fanpatch. People would have to download the fanpatch to play these games, I think, which would be a good thing becuase it would promote even more people to get the FP.
I personally have downloaded the patch, and have played a couple of games on it, but I haven't played it since. Even so, I was really impressed with the work that was gone into it and was very happy with the changes. Good luck on the next one!